Black Rock Reef - Grand Cayman

Black Rock Reef is a Grand Cayman staple for a reason. We love how the reef forms distinct fingers, separated by sandy channels that just beg to be explored. Drop down and you're immediately greeted by the sheer scale of the hardpan, covered in grooved brain corals and those impressive Lamarck's sheet corals. It's a busy place; we’ve often found schools of yellowtail snapper swirling around the bigger coral heads. Keep an eye out for sneaky characters like the sharpnose pufferfish tucking themselves into crevices, or a well-camouflaged Pacific spotted scorpionfish. Our favourite part has to be the overhangs, perfect for spotting lobsters and crabs. For photographers, the way the light filters through those sandy channels can be really striking in the morning. It’s a site that suits everyone, from newer divers to those of us who just appreciate a classic, consistently rewarding Caribbean dive.

Location
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.356300, -81.105000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Spotter Bay - Anchors Point (Grand Cayman)

Best Time to Dive in Grand Cayman

The warmest water temperatures in Grand Cayman occur in September, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 26.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.3°C
  • February: 26.9°C
  • March: 27.0°C
  • April: 27.7°C
  • May: 28.7°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 29.8°C
  • August: 30.3°C
  • September: 30.4°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 29.0°C
  • December: 28.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Grand Cayman

Nearest Dive Centres to Black Rock Reef

Marine Life in Grand Cayman

Home to 332 recorded species including 276 reef fish, 30 hard corals, 5 other, 5 seagrass & algae, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Black Rock Reef

Based on average water temperature of 28.7°C, currents 9 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Black Rock Reef (Myanmar)?
The provided data for Black Rock Reef pertains to the site located in Grand Cayman, not Myanmar. At this Black Rock Reef, divers can expect a maximum depth of 21 meters. This reef features diverse topography including sandy channels and coral gardens.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Black Rock Reef (Myanmar)?
Based on the data for Black Rock Reef in Grand Cayman, divers can encounter a rich variety of marine life. You'll find Bermuda Chub, Yellowtail Snapper, Barracudas, and Caribbean Reef Squid among the coral heads, while lobsters, crabs, and shrimp hide under overhangs. The site is characterized by vibrant coral gardens, shallow hardpan, freestanding coral heads with narrow passages, and a massive barrel sponge. For more details on species, visit DivePlnr's wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Black Rock Reef (Myanmar), especially regarding currents?
The data available for Black Rock Reef in Grand Cayman indicates an intermediate difficulty level. While the site description does not provide specific details on typical currents, divers should always be prepared for varying conditions. We recommend checking local dive reports for real-time current information.
What is the best time of year to dive Black Rock Reef (Myanmar) for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data for Black Rock Reef in Grand Cayman does not include information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult DivePlnr's when to dive resources. We recommend checking with local dive operators for specific seasonal insights for this location.
What level of diving certification or experience is recommended for Black Rock Reef (Myanmar)?
For Black Rock Reef in Grand Cayman, the dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. Therefore, it is recommended for divers who have achieved at least an Advanced Open Water certification or possess equivalent experience. This ensures divers are comfortable navigating its sandy channels and coral formations.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Black Rock Reef (Myanmar)?
Based on the data for Black Rock Reef in Grand Cayman, divers can expect excellent average visibility of 23 meters. However, the provided information does not specify typical water temperatures or current conditions for this site. Always consult local dive centers for the most current water conditions before your dive.